What Is a Sport Parkinson’s Golf Academy – And Why Should You Come Along?
- aimee197
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
You might be a lifelong golfer. You might not have picked up a golf club for 30 years. Or you might never have played golf at all.
Whichever describes you, Sport Parkinson’s Golf Academies are designed to give people living with Parkinson’s the opportunity to get back onto the golf course, improve their game, try something completely new and, perhaps most importantly, meet other people who understand the journey they are on.
Golf isn’t just about hitting a little white ball around a course. For people living with Parkinson’s, it can be a fantastic way to stay active, challenge yourself, build confidence and enjoy being part of a community. And that’s exactly what Sport Parkinson’s Golf Academies are all about.
So, what actually happens at a Golf Academy?
The idea is simple: come along, have a go and enjoy golf in a friendly and inclusive environment. Our Golf Academies are designed to welcome all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced golfers who want to keep playing for as long as possible. They are also an opportunity for people who may have moved away from golf because of their Parkinson’s to rediscover the sport.
A typical academy includes a session with a professional golf coach, where you can work on your technique, learn new skills or simply get comfortable with a golf club again. At Surbiton, for example, Peter is the professional and he leads to sessions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The academies include group golf tuition followed by an informal lunch in the clubhouse, where carers or family members can join also.
And the lunch is an important part of the day. It isn’t just about the golf. It’s about the conversation afterwards, it's about meeting someone new, sharing a laugh about a terrible shot and also discovering that somebody else is experiencing some of the same challenges as you.
And it’s realising that Parkinson’s doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you enjoy.
You don’t have to be a golfer.
One of the biggest misconceptions about a Golf Academy might be that you need to already know how to play, you absolutely don’t. Sport Parkinson’s Academies are designed for people at different stages of their golfing journey.
Never picked up a club? Come along.
Played years ago and want to start again? Come along.
Already play regularly but want to improve? Come along.
Living with Parkinson’s and wondering whether golf is still for you? Definitely come along.
The sessions provide a supportive environment where you can work at your own pace and focus on what you want to get from the day. And you don’t have to compare yourself to anybody else. This isn’t about handicaps, competition or who can hit the ball furthest. It’s about participation, movement, confidence and enjoyment.
Why is golf so good for the Parkinson’s community?
Sport Parkinson’s has always believed in the power of movement. Exercise is an important part of managing life with Parkinson’s, and Sport Parkinson’s exists to create opportunities for people to stay active while also building connections and community.
Golf brings many of those things together. There’s walking, balance, coordination, concentration and movement involved, alongside the mental challenge of playing the game. But perhaps one of its biggest benefits is something that can’t be measured on a scorecard:
Community.
Parkinson’s can sometimes be an isolating condition. Sport Parkinson’s events provide an opportunity to get out, meet people and spend time with others who understand what living with Parkinson’s can be like. And that’s why we hear so many positive stories from people who attend our events. The golf might get people through the door.
The friendships can keep them coming back.
What if Parkinson’s has changed the way you play?
That’s okay. One of the great things about these sessions is that golf doesn’t have to look exactly the same as it did before Parkinson’s. You might need to adapt your swing. You might need to take more breaks. You might want to concentrate on shorter sessions.
The aim is to find ways of continuing to enjoy the sport that work for you. And that’s one of the reasons working with professional golf coaches is so valuable. They can help you understand your game, develop your skills and find ways to make golf enjoyable and achievable.
Where can you find a Sport Parkinson’s Golf Academy?
We’re delighted that the Golf Academy programme continues to grow, giving more people across the country the opportunity to get involved.
For 2026, Golf Academies are taking place at:
Surbiton Golf Club – Surrey
Our established Golf Academy at Surbiton continues to provide group tuition with Golf Professional Peter Roberts, followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
Hagley Golf Club – Worcestershire
New for 2026, Hagley Golf Club has joined the Golf Academy programme, with sessions including golf tuition followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
Cowdray Park Gold Club - West Sussex
New for 2026, Cowdray Park Golf Club has joined the Golf Academy programme, with sessions including golf tuition followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
Congleton Golf Club - Cheshire
New for 2026, Cowdray Park Golf Club has joined the Golf Academy programme, with sessions including golf tuition followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
Shifnal Golf Club - Shropshire
New for 2026, Shifnal Golf Club has joined the Golf Academy programme, with sessions including golf tuition followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
Leamington and County Golf Club - Warwickshire
New for 2026, Leamington and County Golf Club has joined the Golf Academy programme, with sessions including golf tuition followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
The Belfry – West Midlands
We are also taking the Golf Academy to the iconic Belfry, with sessions on the driving range alongside a professional from the club. The two-hour sessions are designed as an introduction to the game.
And this is only the beginning. Sport Parkinson’s is keen to see Golf Academies grow into more clubs and more communities across the country. If your golf club would like to host an academy, Sport Parkinson’s can support clubs with grants, training and the administration needed to get started.
Could your golf club be next?
We want more people living with Parkinson’s to discover that there is still so much they can do. Golf is a brilliant example. You don’t have to be the golfer you were ten years ago. You don’t have to be a brilliant golfer. And you certainly don’t have to have a perfect round.
You just have to give it a go. And that’s what Sport Parkinson’s is all about. Ready to give golf a go? Take a look at our upcoming Golf Academies and book your place today!
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